Team PSA 2026: Caroline Diamantis FPS, Prof Mark Naunton MPS and Bridget Totterman MPS[/caption]
A/Prof Fei Sim and Prof Mark Naunton[/caption]
Clinical features 
Warm compresses are the cornerstone of treatment, helping to soften the lesion, bring pus to the surface and encourage spontaneous drainage. A clean face cloth soaked in warm (not hot) water should be applied to the closed eyelid for 2–5 minutes, twice daily during the active phase. Once the stye begins to drain, any discharge should be gently wiped away using a clean, warm washcloth. After resolution, continuing warm compresses once daily may help prevent recurrence.2 
Topical corticosteroids are used for various dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
| Learning objectives
After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:
Competencies (2016) addressed: 1.1.3, 1.3.2, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.3.2, 3.1.2, 3.2.2, 3.2.5, 3.3.1, 3.6.1. Competencies (2010) addressed: 1.1.2, 1.2.1, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 2.1.3, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.3.3, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 7.1.2, 7.1.4, 7.2.2. |
Case Scenario
Jane, a mother of 2-year-old twins, has come into the pharmacy today to ask the pharmacist (you) for advice. Both twins suffer from eczema, and Jane applies hydrocortisone 1% cream when the eczema flares up. This was on the recommendation of the dermatologist and GP, who they see regularly. She has heard that steroids are associated with many problems; in particular she is worried about them causing stunted growth. Jane is wondering if she is doing the right thing by using hydrocortisone cream on her twins and asks for your advice.
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